Near Mexia in Limestone County, Texas — The American South (West South Central)
Old Springfield Cemetery
Photographed By James Hulse, November 21, 2020
1. Old Springfield Cemetery Marker
Established as a 10-acre community burial ground in town plat dedicated Jan. 6, 1838, by Moses Herrin. Earliest graves probably never had stone markers because of primitive frontier living conditions. It is recorded that 12 families were driven out of Springfield late in 1838 by Indian hostilities; the town's growth was halted materially until 1846.
Oldest tombstone is for an infant who died Oct. 3, 1849. Another early marker is for a native of New York State "Slain in 1854 violence for his gold". This burial ground was open to use by surrounding areas, and many strangers found a final resting place here alongside veterans of the Texas War for Independence, the Mexican War and other conflicts.
Since Springfield was county seat of Limestone County (1846-1873), home of Springfield College (closed in the 1860's), and a center for church and business affairs, it attracted persons of distinction. Some of them were buried here. Although the town lost its means of growth after it was bypassed by Houston & Texas Central Railroad in 1870 and then suffered a devastating fire in 1873, families of old residents often have returned to bury their dead in their established lots, beside pioneer forefathers.
Erected 1969 by State Historical Survey Committee. (Marker Number 3817.)
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Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Cemeteries & Burial Sites • Native Americans • Railroads & Streetcars • Settlements & Settlers. A significant historical date for this entry is January 6, 1838.
Location. 31° 35.647′ N, 96° 31.863′ W. Marker is near Mexia, Texas, in Limestone County. Marker is on Park Road 28, half a mile west of State Highway 14, on the left when traveling west. The marker is located in the Fort Parker State Park about 1/2 mile west of the front entrance. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Mexia TX 76667, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 4 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. Sanders Walker (about 500 feet away, measured in a direct line); Joseph Penn Lynch (about 500 feet away); Civilian Conservation Corps at Fort Parker State Park (approx. 0.3 miles away); Old Springfield (approx. half a mile away); Fort Parker (approx. 2.3 miles away); Old Fort Parker (approx. 2.3 miles away); Joseph E. Johnston Reunion Grounds (approx. 3.1 miles away); Seth H. Bates (approx. 3.3 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Mexia.
Also see . . .
1. Springfield, Texas. TSHA Texas State Historical Association (Submitted on December 2, 2020, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas.)
2. Houston and Texas Central Railway. TSHA
Photographed By James Hulse, November 21, 2020
2. Old Springfield Cemetery and Marker
3. Limestone County. TSHA Texas State Historical Association (Submitted on December 2, 2020, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas.)
Photographed By James Hulse, November 21, 2020
3. Dr. N. Brooking (1819-1854)
Slain Oct 1854 for Gold
Photographed By James Hulse, November 21, 2020
4. Old Springfield Cemetery
Credits. This page was last revised on December 3, 2020. It was originally submitted on December 2, 2020, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas. This page has been viewed 274 times since then and 90 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on December 2, 2020, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas. • J. Makali Bruton was the editor who published this page.
